At a time when everyone is thinking about the new year which is about to be chimed in, I bet quite a few are thinking what changes they can make. It might be to save some money, to lose some weight, to give to a charity, to start volunteering, to help around the house more or just even to be nicer.
Whatever these changes are, I wish you the very best of luck with them. For me personally it is to carry on in my weight-loss journey and to up my activity levels, this in itself will be life-changing.
Some may say that this is a common new years resolution, which can only end in failure (yes lots do!), but I am different in a couple of ways. The first is that, I am already on track with losing weight and I want it to continue, this is determination enough to carry on and not look back.
The other reason is totally and utterly different. A number of years ago, my wish for new year was that I wouldn't be beaten up, mentally and emotionally tortured by my, then, partner ever again. For many years this wish did not come true until I had the courage to make changes in my life that started me walking the path of a fear free existence.
You see, you might think that resolutions at this time of year are just futile, that nothing you can do can ever make the changes you want. Whatever it is that you want altering, those first few changes, those first few steps are undoubtedly the hardest, but it does get easier and as your life alters you do get happier and more able to cope with the obstacles life throws at you.
When I started writing this blog today, I wasn't sure what I was going to write about. I wanted it to be light-hearted and funny but in the end I suppose that I just want send the message that no matter how difficult your journey in life may be, you can make changes that will improve things. Even the things like smiling more will lift your mood, losing that bit of extra weight will improve your lifestyle or perhaps volunteering, which will give something back to the community.
If you have a life like my old one or you have changes to make that you are frightened of, don't be scared, if you do them perhaps this time next year you will be somewhere near the happiness you want.
Happy New Year everyone, let's hope 2011 is good to us all. X
Friday 31 December 2010
Thursday 30 December 2010
Review - Chiquito Gateshead Metro Centre
Having driven an hour and a half to get the the Metro Centre, we parked easily and then tackled the shops in an attempt to pick up some things we wanted and preferably at the price we wanted too!
A trip to the Metro Centre is always a bit of a big deal for us. For one thing, the journey is a 3 hour round trip, and that's without actually doing any shopping, so we always plan to eat out when we are there.
I would like to review the place we ate in today. Chiquito's in the Metro Centre has always been a good place to eat for us. Although we have sometimes had to wait for a table, we have never had to join a lengthy queue outside like the other restaurants have, which are in close vicinity.
So today, when we arrived, we were waiting for about 3 minutes before someone came to greet us. She informed us that the waiting time for a table for 2 adults, a toddler and a smaller baby in a highchair, would be about 30 minutes. This was no problem for us and we were handed a 'gadget' that would let us know when our table was ready.
We went and sat in the bar area, which was not crowded, to wait. During this time Aardvark and Rhino, needed their nappies changing and The Hubstacle was duly dispatched. He came back handing over Rhino, telling me that the only changing facilities were in the ladies toilets. A fellow had offered to stand guard outside the door but as we had two children to attend to, it was easier for me to do it.
True to their word, our table was ready 30 minutes later and we trundles through the restaurant. Not counting the booths, most of the tables have plenty of room to park a buggy up and still let other people pass by without colliding with it.
Our server, Jo, came over very promptly, she was in a recognisable uniform, was clean, well presented and polite. Jo took our drinks order, 2 large diet cokes, a glass of water and an orange juice, which she explained was free for children. When our drinks arrived she took our food order which was as follows -
1 kids tomato twists
1 kids BBQ chicken burrito
1 BBQ pork and beans
1 chicken and ribs
1 side order of corn on the cob
We were all hungry and looking forward to our meal, which sadly took 30 minutes to arrive. However our server kept us informed and we were given a plate of nachos and salsa to nibble on, which the children enjoyed whilst playing with their activity pack (puzzles, coloured pencils etc).
The food arrived, and although it was fine, it wasn't up to the standard that we have come to know of Chiquito's. Both of the childrens meals were great and they loved their food. The Hubstacle said his ribs and chicken tasted nice, but he felt that it had been sitting about for a while. I felt the same and I also felt that for the price of my dish, the portion size was not as it should have been. The pork piece was about 4x2 inches, there were probably about 5 tablespoons of beans, the jacket potato was lovely but the corn on the cob was squashy and looked as if it had been over cooked or sat for a long while. The Hubstacle had one on his plate and it was the same.
However it all tasted ok. We both felt that we have had excellent service, food and experience in the many past visits so have out this down to a 'blip' in their system over the Christmas period. It won't stop us going again when we are next in the Metro Centre.
However, the one thing we did not check properly was the bill, we were charged for a raspberry mojito that we did not have (£4.99). Totally our fault for not noticing, something to look for in the future though!
Chiquito's, we love your restaurant, but hope our next meal will be back to what we have had in the past!
A trip to the Metro Centre is always a bit of a big deal for us. For one thing, the journey is a 3 hour round trip, and that's without actually doing any shopping, so we always plan to eat out when we are there.
I would like to review the place we ate in today. Chiquito's in the Metro Centre has always been a good place to eat for us. Although we have sometimes had to wait for a table, we have never had to join a lengthy queue outside like the other restaurants have, which are in close vicinity.
So today, when we arrived, we were waiting for about 3 minutes before someone came to greet us. She informed us that the waiting time for a table for 2 adults, a toddler and a smaller baby in a highchair, would be about 30 minutes. This was no problem for us and we were handed a 'gadget' that would let us know when our table was ready.
We went and sat in the bar area, which was not crowded, to wait. During this time Aardvark and Rhino, needed their nappies changing and The Hubstacle was duly dispatched. He came back handing over Rhino, telling me that the only changing facilities were in the ladies toilets. A fellow had offered to stand guard outside the door but as we had two children to attend to, it was easier for me to do it.
True to their word, our table was ready 30 minutes later and we trundles through the restaurant. Not counting the booths, most of the tables have plenty of room to park a buggy up and still let other people pass by without colliding with it.
Our server, Jo, came over very promptly, she was in a recognisable uniform, was clean, well presented and polite. Jo took our drinks order, 2 large diet cokes, a glass of water and an orange juice, which she explained was free for children. When our drinks arrived she took our food order which was as follows -
1 kids tomato twists
1 kids BBQ chicken burrito
1 BBQ pork and beans
1 chicken and ribs
1 side order of corn on the cob
We were all hungry and looking forward to our meal, which sadly took 30 minutes to arrive. However our server kept us informed and we were given a plate of nachos and salsa to nibble on, which the children enjoyed whilst playing with their activity pack (puzzles, coloured pencils etc).
The food arrived, and although it was fine, it wasn't up to the standard that we have come to know of Chiquito's. Both of the childrens meals were great and they loved their food. The Hubstacle said his ribs and chicken tasted nice, but he felt that it had been sitting about for a while. I felt the same and I also felt that for the price of my dish, the portion size was not as it should have been. The pork piece was about 4x2 inches, there were probably about 5 tablespoons of beans, the jacket potato was lovely but the corn on the cob was squashy and looked as if it had been over cooked or sat for a long while. The Hubstacle had one on his plate and it was the same.
However it all tasted ok. We both felt that we have had excellent service, food and experience in the many past visits so have out this down to a 'blip' in their system over the Christmas period. It won't stop us going again when we are next in the Metro Centre.
However, the one thing we did not check properly was the bill, we were charged for a raspberry mojito that we did not have (£4.99). Totally our fault for not noticing, something to look for in the future though!
Chiquito's, we love your restaurant, but hope our next meal will be back to what we have had in the past!
Wednesday 29 December 2010
Nursery School Sorrow
I had a bit of a wobble this afternoon when I realised that this time next week and it will be the day before Aardvark starts nursery school. Her uniform is en-route (supposedly- see yesterday's post), she is familiar with the school and her teacher but as of yet I am not sure how well she is going to respond to being left there without me.
Aardvark and I have always been together, we have spent very few nights apart, she isn't clingy but I think I am. When I had a second chance at family life (save that for another time perhaps) I had a very firm idea about the kind of mother I wanted to be and this meant forging a very close and loving relationship with my children.
Her going to school means another step towards her independence and development and I understand that. But at the present time I can't get my head around someone else being responsible for her and looking after her. Aardvark is not yet talking, this has been assessed and she is perfectly fine, just learning in a different way to other children (trust her to do things differently!). What happens if she is unhappy? If someone is less than nice to her? I will know the difference in her but she won't be able to verbalise it and this worries me.
My head says that she will be fine, I know she likes the school and her teacher very much. Aardvark is a very confident little girl, she gets on with other children and adults so I don't have any concerns there. I suppose I am just reluctant to let go of my daughter but there is one thing for sure, she will enjoy the whole experience so much more than me. If there are any tears to be shed on her first day, then they are going to be mine for sure!
Aardvark and I have always been together, we have spent very few nights apart, she isn't clingy but I think I am. When I had a second chance at family life (save that for another time perhaps) I had a very firm idea about the kind of mother I wanted to be and this meant forging a very close and loving relationship with my children.
Her going to school means another step towards her independence and development and I understand that. But at the present time I can't get my head around someone else being responsible for her and looking after her. Aardvark is not yet talking, this has been assessed and she is perfectly fine, just learning in a different way to other children (trust her to do things differently!). What happens if she is unhappy? If someone is less than nice to her? I will know the difference in her but she won't be able to verbalise it and this worries me.
My head says that she will be fine, I know she likes the school and her teacher very much. Aardvark is a very confident little girl, she gets on with other children and adults so I don't have any concerns there. I suppose I am just reluctant to let go of my daughter but there is one thing for sure, she will enjoy the whole experience so much more than me. If there are any tears to be shed on her first day, then they are going to be mine for sure!
Tuesday 28 December 2010
NEXT!
I quite like the idea of reviewing things and think that I can pretty much put fingers to keyboards about most subject matter. I have already reviewed an artisan chocolate maker from London (the thought of her rocky road has got me salivating again!) but ideally I would like to review children and family related things.
Some companies, I have found, are quite sniffy about who they let review their products which is not in their best interests in the slightest. Let's face it, us parents are not as thick as we look and if you have fantastic reviews about your products all the time, we are going to get a little suspicious!
So today, I am going to review NEXT. The full tale of this incident may well spill over in to another day as I am currently waiting for a response from the correct department.
Aardvark starts nursery school next week and in the middle of December I ordered all of her uniform from NEXT. At first I was a little annoyed that I had to open an account, but in turn was quite pleased that until I have received and am happy with the order, I won't have to pay for it (bonus!)
All the usual emails were sent to me, thanking me for opening an account etc. Then I had one saying that my order had been despatched, the feature I particularly liked was that there was a 'click here' button for me to track my order. It took me straight to the couriers page and I did not have to fiddle about with entering parcel numbers etc.
Since the 16th December it has been out for delivery to the courier. Now I know that we have had some ghastly weather all over the country and certainly Northumberland has been hit hard so adverse weather has really been a problem for many delivery companies.
I was pleased to see that there were regular updates on the NEXT website about the deliveries of orders, which reassured me that all was well, just a little behind schedule.
Today, I did decide to call the customer service department, just to put my own mind at rest. I got dealt with efficiently, however the courier department was closed today (I forgot it was a bank holiday) and the call-taker has requested that someone call me back tomorrow.
Whether this happens or not is entirely another matter. We are off on a massive shopping trip on Friday, even if I get told that the order is on it's way, do I buy stuff while I am out then send the order back when it arrives or take a chance and it might not turn up? I don't suppose I can really decide until they call me back.
I am going to be interested to see how this is dealt with, I have been told that NEXT have an excellent reputation for customer service, and I hope I am able to confirm this.
Some companies, I have found, are quite sniffy about who they let review their products which is not in their best interests in the slightest. Let's face it, us parents are not as thick as we look and if you have fantastic reviews about your products all the time, we are going to get a little suspicious!
So today, I am going to review NEXT. The full tale of this incident may well spill over in to another day as I am currently waiting for a response from the correct department.
Aardvark starts nursery school next week and in the middle of December I ordered all of her uniform from NEXT. At first I was a little annoyed that I had to open an account, but in turn was quite pleased that until I have received and am happy with the order, I won't have to pay for it (bonus!)
All the usual emails were sent to me, thanking me for opening an account etc. Then I had one saying that my order had been despatched, the feature I particularly liked was that there was a 'click here' button for me to track my order. It took me straight to the couriers page and I did not have to fiddle about with entering parcel numbers etc.
Since the 16th December it has been out for delivery to the courier. Now I know that we have had some ghastly weather all over the country and certainly Northumberland has been hit hard so adverse weather has really been a problem for many delivery companies.
I was pleased to see that there were regular updates on the NEXT website about the deliveries of orders, which reassured me that all was well, just a little behind schedule.
Today, I did decide to call the customer service department, just to put my own mind at rest. I got dealt with efficiently, however the courier department was closed today (I forgot it was a bank holiday) and the call-taker has requested that someone call me back tomorrow.
Whether this happens or not is entirely another matter. We are off on a massive shopping trip on Friday, even if I get told that the order is on it's way, do I buy stuff while I am out then send the order back when it arrives or take a chance and it might not turn up? I don't suppose I can really decide until they call me back.
I am going to be interested to see how this is dealt with, I have been told that NEXT have an excellent reputation for customer service, and I hope I am able to confirm this.
Monday 27 December 2010
New Year, New Life
Today we travelled to my out-laws to spend the day. My MIL has only just had an operation on her foot, so is at the moment hopping about like a lop-sided rabbit. Aardvark is very interested in the bandaged foot, but luckily both children managed to avoid standing, sitting, stamping, kicking, knocking or hitting it all day, which to be honest, was a concern of mine.
So Christmas happened all over again and there were more gifts to be opened, Santa obviously got a little muddled up this year. After this, my lovely SIL made an announcement that she is 11 weeks pregnant! This was really fantastic news and I am so happy as I get to be a 'proper' Auntie. The poor girl is suffering badly with nausea and I know exactly how she feels and how helpless everyone around you is.
Anyhow, she is off for her 12 week scan on the day Aardvark starts nursery school and the MIL goes back to the quacks to have her cast put on - it's all go in our family!
Things are good in life at the moment and the new year is an exciting prospect to think about as anything can happen.
The one thing I need to do, is write to my friend down south, her daughter was killed in a skiing accident at the start of December. I haven't been putting off writing to her intentionally but every time I sit down to write, I get very upset and the words won't come.
Lives lived, lives to be born, people to love, people to remember. Take every day with renewed energy and positivity, look forward and be excited about what is to come.
Be happy everyone x
So Christmas happened all over again and there were more gifts to be opened, Santa obviously got a little muddled up this year. After this, my lovely SIL made an announcement that she is 11 weeks pregnant! This was really fantastic news and I am so happy as I get to be a 'proper' Auntie. The poor girl is suffering badly with nausea and I know exactly how she feels and how helpless everyone around you is.
Anyhow, she is off for her 12 week scan on the day Aardvark starts nursery school and the MIL goes back to the quacks to have her cast put on - it's all go in our family!
Things are good in life at the moment and the new year is an exciting prospect to think about as anything can happen.
The one thing I need to do, is write to my friend down south, her daughter was killed in a skiing accident at the start of December. I haven't been putting off writing to her intentionally but every time I sit down to write, I get very upset and the words won't come.
Lives lived, lives to be born, people to love, people to remember. Take every day with renewed energy and positivity, look forward and be excited about what is to come.
Be happy everyone x
Sunday 26 December 2010
Festive Frolics
I have purposely not written my blog since the 23rd, mainly because I have been far too busy, but mostly because I have no wish to let it interrupt time with my family. Usually I write last thing at night, this probably accounts for the distinct lack of followers as I publish the posts late and there is no bugger awake to read it!
This is the first year that Aardvark has had an understanding of the whole Chrstmas concept and it has been truly magical for us to see it. she took the job of preparing a drink, mince pie and carrot for the big man, very seriously indeed. Both children settled to sleep and The Hubstacle and I, enjoyed a lovely meal before bringing the presents out of their various hiding places and setting up for the morning.
I recall saying that we were spending this year on our own, and I have to admit, it was a very stress-free day. I do like organising get togethers and parties, but it was lovely not to have to entertain people.
My babies were ver excited about seeing their presents and even more so when they were unwrapped and we all had great fun playing with them. I was exceptionally happy as I got an iPad, the husband knows me so well!
The day went very quickly, we did our phone calls to various family members, who all seemed to be having a great time without us too!
Today has been much the same and tomorrow we are off to see my out-laws for the day, the children will have too many sweets and my husbands sister and mother can see first hand just how naughty Rhino has got!
I am going to let them get in with it!
Hope you all had a lovely time x
This is the first year that Aardvark has had an understanding of the whole Chrstmas concept and it has been truly magical for us to see it. she took the job of preparing a drink, mince pie and carrot for the big man, very seriously indeed. Both children settled to sleep and The Hubstacle and I, enjoyed a lovely meal before bringing the presents out of their various hiding places and setting up for the morning.
I recall saying that we were spending this year on our own, and I have to admit, it was a very stress-free day. I do like organising get togethers and parties, but it was lovely not to have to entertain people.
My babies were ver excited about seeing their presents and even more so when they were unwrapped and we all had great fun playing with them. I was exceptionally happy as I got an iPad, the husband knows me so well!
The day went very quickly, we did our phone calls to various family members, who all seemed to be having a great time without us too!
Today has been much the same and tomorrow we are off to see my out-laws for the day, the children will have too many sweets and my husbands sister and mother can see first hand just how naughty Rhino has got!
I am going to let them get in with it!
Hope you all had a lovely time x
Thursday 23 December 2010
Christmas Crying
Have you a Christmas routine? Things that you always have to do to make it feel like it is the festive season? Are these things done merrily or with a sense of dread? If you are a newbie to the family. do other people's Christmases just not seem right?
Today, I was decorating and making good the dining room, ready for Christmas day lunch. Aardvark and Rhino were tottering about, dancing to the stereo and I got to thinking about my grandparents.
We always put the decorations up on Christmas Eve, went to Kings for the service at 3pm, returned home after 'official duties' - more about that another time perhaps, had a meal, and enjoyed each others company for the evening. We always did this because we made the effort to be together and it really used to feel that Christmas had started.
They were a very sociable pair my Grandparents and I spent a great deal of my childhood with them, my Grandad died in 1988 and as time went on, I spent lots of time with my Nan until she died in 2007. All of a sudden I was overcome with emotion, and out of nowhere tears were flowing at a rapid rate. I felt very alone and desolate for some reason and it took me all afternoon to realise why.
Christmas is never going to be the same as it was for me when they were both alive and no matter how much I try, I will never recreate it. I now have a Christmas which is a heady mix of Northerness, plus the 'posh southern way' - The Hubstacles words, not mine!
I realised that the Christmases now, will be the memories that Aardvark and Rhino will have, hold, cherish and take in to adulthood with them - and perhaps even try to recreate themselves.
It is no good trying to get something back that can never be got, its all about creating something new. Sure, parts are not going to be to everyone's taste (I am sure my brother-in-law cringed the first time we got the karaoke machine out!), but its all about allowing yourself to enjoy other people's happiness.
So, embrace the new, cherish the old - add elements of 'your Christmas' to the future ones and create something that will be memories to last a lifetime.
My Christmas memories make me happy - I hope yours can too. x
Today, I was decorating and making good the dining room, ready for Christmas day lunch. Aardvark and Rhino were tottering about, dancing to the stereo and I got to thinking about my grandparents.
We always put the decorations up on Christmas Eve, went to Kings for the service at 3pm, returned home after 'official duties' - more about that another time perhaps, had a meal, and enjoyed each others company for the evening. We always did this because we made the effort to be together and it really used to feel that Christmas had started.
They were a very sociable pair my Grandparents and I spent a great deal of my childhood with them, my Grandad died in 1988 and as time went on, I spent lots of time with my Nan until she died in 2007. All of a sudden I was overcome with emotion, and out of nowhere tears were flowing at a rapid rate. I felt very alone and desolate for some reason and it took me all afternoon to realise why.
Christmas is never going to be the same as it was for me when they were both alive and no matter how much I try, I will never recreate it. I now have a Christmas which is a heady mix of Northerness, plus the 'posh southern way' - The Hubstacles words, not mine!
I realised that the Christmases now, will be the memories that Aardvark and Rhino will have, hold, cherish and take in to adulthood with them - and perhaps even try to recreate themselves.
It is no good trying to get something back that can never be got, its all about creating something new. Sure, parts are not going to be to everyone's taste (I am sure my brother-in-law cringed the first time we got the karaoke machine out!), but its all about allowing yourself to enjoy other people's happiness.
So, embrace the new, cherish the old - add elements of 'your Christmas' to the future ones and create something that will be memories to last a lifetime.
My Christmas memories make me happy - I hope yours can too. x
Wednesday 22 December 2010
It's All Good!
Well, I am going to have to eat my hat and hang my head in shame for being pessimistic!
The Landrover got recovered this morning (as they promised), the hire car was delivered this afternoon (as promised) and I got to Tesco to do the Christmas food shopping (as scheduled!).
All morning I had been monitoring FaceBook and was hearing grim stories about the supermarkets being rammed with people and next to nothing left on the shelves. Turkeys were apparently being tagged (not in the ASBO sense I might add!) to discourage thieves and there was no veg left.
I set off feeling glum. I need not have worried, the aisles were negotiated perfectly, no more people than normal and the shelves were stocked full. All the staff had smiles on their faces and were very helpful - the other shoppers however looked as if they were sucking lemons and none of them had any festive spirit.
My two toddlers, were beautifully behaved and being lovely to all passers-by. The only people to respond were some lads in their early 20's and they made a great fuss of them both - that was heartening in itself.
I am now feeling very festive, and especially excited about Christmas Day - mainly to see my children's little faces when they realise the big man has been - magical!
The Landrover got recovered this morning (as they promised), the hire car was delivered this afternoon (as promised) and I got to Tesco to do the Christmas food shopping (as scheduled!).
All morning I had been monitoring FaceBook and was hearing grim stories about the supermarkets being rammed with people and next to nothing left on the shelves. Turkeys were apparently being tagged (not in the ASBO sense I might add!) to discourage thieves and there was no veg left.
I set off feeling glum. I need not have worried, the aisles were negotiated perfectly, no more people than normal and the shelves were stocked full. All the staff had smiles on their faces and were very helpful - the other shoppers however looked as if they were sucking lemons and none of them had any festive spirit.
My two toddlers, were beautifully behaved and being lovely to all passers-by. The only people to respond were some lads in their early 20's and they made a great fuss of them both - that was heartening in itself.
I am now feeling very festive, and especially excited about Christmas Day - mainly to see my children's little faces when they realise the big man has been - magical!
Tuesday 21 December 2010
Men In Tights
Today has been a bit of a disaster. I wrapped myself up, de-iced the car, had list, purse, re-useable bags, sanity (just) and off I went to do the Christmas food shopping. I got to the end of the farm track and then the car decided that it would not go one little bit further. I tried everything, the engine was willing but the rest was not up to the job (sounds strangely familiar in another context).
It seems 'ones gearbox has gorn', can you bloomin' believe it? So I had to trek to half a mile, in snow up to my neck (small lie - up to my knees) to get the loader to tow the car back down.
Luckily the car is under warranty, so we have been assured that it will be collected and taken to the garage tomorrow and a hire car will be with us in the afternoon. Hmmmm, this I am just not so sure about.
Considering we have had only 3 deliveries of post over the past 4 weeks, all courier companies say they are not delivering to our postcode, I have an awful feeling that it is just not going to happen.
Luckily we have a very good friend who will lend us his car to go and get supplies if we need (yes we flipping will if the hire car doesn't turn up). It also scuppers lots of other plans because we are due at my MIL's for the 27th and the dog is meant to go to kennels for a couple of days, and they are even more remote than us!.
But I have digressed completely from the title subject of this post 'Men In Tights'.
The Hubstacle told me - a long time ago - and before I married him, that he used to wear ladies tights. Luckily he told me the context in which they were worn - he was in the riot squad for a while and it involved a lot of sitting about, in the cold, so layers of ladies tights kept you toasty warm! I can empathise, having had to do shifts in the past and you do need all the warmth you can get!
However, today, when all this crisis with the car was going on, The Hubstacle was making phone calls and had stripped off his 'farm' clothes (they smell of pigs and bullocks - I said bullocks) and he was standing there in his thermal underwear.
I thought the long johns looked a bit strange and I remember thinking that they couldn't already be losing their shape - but then, as you do, you forget about it.
Hubby puts all his 'farm' clothes in for a wash, then dry and a bit later I go and get them. Imagine my amusement - and hysterics - when I realise that he has been trying to fend off the freezing temperatures all morning, dressed in my leggings!
I was laughing so much that I couldn't actually tell him for ages, just wave them about at him.
All he could say was 'I thought my bottom half was cold'.
He assures me that this was an honest mistake - However, I am going to keep a close eye on my knicker drawer.
It seems 'ones gearbox has gorn', can you bloomin' believe it? So I had to trek to half a mile, in snow up to my neck (small lie - up to my knees) to get the loader to tow the car back down.
Luckily the car is under warranty, so we have been assured that it will be collected and taken to the garage tomorrow and a hire car will be with us in the afternoon. Hmmmm, this I am just not so sure about.
Considering we have had only 3 deliveries of post over the past 4 weeks, all courier companies say they are not delivering to our postcode, I have an awful feeling that it is just not going to happen.
Luckily we have a very good friend who will lend us his car to go and get supplies if we need (yes we flipping will if the hire car doesn't turn up). It also scuppers lots of other plans because we are due at my MIL's for the 27th and the dog is meant to go to kennels for a couple of days, and they are even more remote than us!.
But I have digressed completely from the title subject of this post 'Men In Tights'.
The Hubstacle told me - a long time ago - and before I married him, that he used to wear ladies tights. Luckily he told me the context in which they were worn - he was in the riot squad for a while and it involved a lot of sitting about, in the cold, so layers of ladies tights kept you toasty warm! I can empathise, having had to do shifts in the past and you do need all the warmth you can get!
However, today, when all this crisis with the car was going on, The Hubstacle was making phone calls and had stripped off his 'farm' clothes (they smell of pigs and bullocks - I said bullocks) and he was standing there in his thermal underwear.
I thought the long johns looked a bit strange and I remember thinking that they couldn't already be losing their shape - but then, as you do, you forget about it.
Hubby puts all his 'farm' clothes in for a wash, then dry and a bit later I go and get them. Imagine my amusement - and hysterics - when I realise that he has been trying to fend off the freezing temperatures all morning, dressed in my leggings!
I was laughing so much that I couldn't actually tell him for ages, just wave them about at him.
All he could say was 'I thought my bottom half was cold'.
He assures me that this was an honest mistake - However, I am going to keep a close eye on my knicker drawer.
Monday 20 December 2010
The Great Escape
We have pigs, and the next delivery of them arrived yesterday, so at the moment over 600 of the little darlings are on the farm. We started this debacle only a few months ago and boy oh boy have we learned some lessons.
Pigs are VERY VERY clever!
You absolutely cannot leave anything to chance or to idiotically presume that they will never work out how to get around things, because given half a chance, they will suss you out in a very short space of time!
This new lot were popped in to, what I like to call 'new arrivals reception' (a barn!) and after a lot of fighting, barking (yes they do bark - loudly), biting, eating and snuffling about they settled.
Most of them just then get themselves comfortable, have a little doze between meals and enjoy themselves. But, a hardcore, renegade group of 12 decided that they were going to watch our every move and make plan to alight the premises.
Between then and this morning, the 'Northumberland 12' worked out that if the door was just latched, they could actually open it. Sure enough, once they were certain of their theory, and the humans were absent, they put it to the test and Bingo! Out they got, down the track they went and then they thought it was a good idea to have an amble down the 'A' road.
A few passing motorists stopped and attempted to heard them back towards us and I must say I think I saw a few looks of a very impressed nature when the pigs all trotted towards , me when I called them.
A valuable lesson learned and we thanked our lucky stars that all 600 of them had not decided to go for a ramble in the countryside. Our bacon saved - this time!
Pigs are VERY VERY clever!
You absolutely cannot leave anything to chance or to idiotically presume that they will never work out how to get around things, because given half a chance, they will suss you out in a very short space of time!
This new lot were popped in to, what I like to call 'new arrivals reception' (a barn!) and after a lot of fighting, barking (yes they do bark - loudly), biting, eating and snuffling about they settled.
Most of them just then get themselves comfortable, have a little doze between meals and enjoy themselves. But, a hardcore, renegade group of 12 decided that they were going to watch our every move and make plan to alight the premises.
Between then and this morning, the 'Northumberland 12' worked out that if the door was just latched, they could actually open it. Sure enough, once they were certain of their theory, and the humans were absent, they put it to the test and Bingo! Out they got, down the track they went and then they thought it was a good idea to have an amble down the 'A' road.
A few passing motorists stopped and attempted to heard them back towards us and I must say I think I saw a few looks of a very impressed nature when the pigs all trotted towards , me when I called them.
A valuable lesson learned and we thanked our lucky stars that all 600 of them had not decided to go for a ramble in the countryside. Our bacon saved - this time!
Sunday 19 December 2010
Here It Is Again!
I was not around (i.e - alive, in case you thought I might have been in sunnier climes) when the last severe snowfall occurred in the months of November and December, which was in the 1963.
Plus, now having moved to live 'oop narth', I have to cope with colder temperatures anyway, so naturally that must mean snowier snow than 'darn sarf'.
This theory has definitely been proved correct over the last few weeks and whilst I love the white stuff (snow - obviously) it amazes me just how fickle people can be about it. We have to remember that, there are things that we have no control of in life, like death, the lottery results and of course the weather.
My Grandad said that we should always have respect for the weather as it is, as its more commonly know, as a force of nature and capable of quite a bit!
I wonder how they coped in the 1960's, well they were much less reliant on gas and electricity. Few homes have radios of phones that work in a power cut and alot of people cant cook without an oven or a microwave.
We rely on road haulage far too much, we just don't have the network for heavy rail transportation. Foods come from all over the world, then transported to distribution centres to then be distributed to the shops. Back then I imagine people would have been alot more self-sufficient (grown their veg, made their bread etc). Things would have been alot more localised, there are so many complaints that schools are closed, well this is because the teachers don't live nearby anymore. Nearly all of the teachers at the local high school live an hour's drive away, again an example of how we all rely on our cars a great deal. Mind you in some Cities, they don't have a choice as they are priced out of the housing market.
Operations are being cancelled (again the same problem of staff not being local), commuters stuck at home, work or even inbetween, but we have to adapt and work with what we have got.
Tonight, I was just thinking about going to bed (10.30pm) when there was a knock at the front door. We live in the middle of nowhere, so given the conditions (8 inches of snow dumped on us today), I knew it was someone in need of help.
A chap had come off the road and gone in to the ditch (as quite a few people have over the past 3 weeks). He told us that friends had come up by train and he was going to pick them up, even though he had told them not to come. And now, for his trouble he was in a bit of a sticky situation.
The Hubstacle went out with him, first the tried to dig him out, but in the end the chains and the Landrover had to be used. This chap - a 7ft South African man was totally and utterly grateful - not surprised considering the recovery people were saying that there was no chance of getting to him.
He drove off (very slowly) and we hope that he made it to his guests and home safely. I also hope that his guests make sure they show how grateful they are. Mind you, The Hubstacle said he was in a saloon car with sports tyres - silly sod!
Plus, now having moved to live 'oop narth', I have to cope with colder temperatures anyway, so naturally that must mean snowier snow than 'darn sarf'.
This theory has definitely been proved correct over the last few weeks and whilst I love the white stuff (snow - obviously) it amazes me just how fickle people can be about it. We have to remember that, there are things that we have no control of in life, like death, the lottery results and of course the weather.
My Grandad said that we should always have respect for the weather as it is, as its more commonly know, as a force of nature and capable of quite a bit!
I wonder how they coped in the 1960's, well they were much less reliant on gas and electricity. Few homes have radios of phones that work in a power cut and alot of people cant cook without an oven or a microwave.
We rely on road haulage far too much, we just don't have the network for heavy rail transportation. Foods come from all over the world, then transported to distribution centres to then be distributed to the shops. Back then I imagine people would have been alot more self-sufficient (grown their veg, made their bread etc). Things would have been alot more localised, there are so many complaints that schools are closed, well this is because the teachers don't live nearby anymore. Nearly all of the teachers at the local high school live an hour's drive away, again an example of how we all rely on our cars a great deal. Mind you in some Cities, they don't have a choice as they are priced out of the housing market.
Operations are being cancelled (again the same problem of staff not being local), commuters stuck at home, work or even inbetween, but we have to adapt and work with what we have got.
Tonight, I was just thinking about going to bed (10.30pm) when there was a knock at the front door. We live in the middle of nowhere, so given the conditions (8 inches of snow dumped on us today), I knew it was someone in need of help.
A chap had come off the road and gone in to the ditch (as quite a few people have over the past 3 weeks). He told us that friends had come up by train and he was going to pick them up, even though he had told them not to come. And now, for his trouble he was in a bit of a sticky situation.
The Hubstacle went out with him, first the tried to dig him out, but in the end the chains and the Landrover had to be used. This chap - a 7ft South African man was totally and utterly grateful - not surprised considering the recovery people were saying that there was no chance of getting to him.
He drove off (very slowly) and we hope that he made it to his guests and home safely. I also hope that his guests make sure they show how grateful they are. Mind you, The Hubstacle said he was in a saloon car with sports tyres - silly sod!
Saturday 18 December 2010
Carolling Capers
What a busy day! (now if that opening set of words doesn't bore you to death, then please continue to read!).
For some reason, I ended up having a bit of a lay-in this morning. The children, who are good sleepers anyway, woke up at 8.30am instead of 8am. The trouble is, and I don't know if any of you are the same, but the longer I lay in bed, the less I want to get out of it! Anyhoo, I dragged myself up for the day ahead.
I had a gazillion parcels to post this morning, and for once I was actually ahead of schedule and they had already been packaged up (impressed? I am!). Aardvark and Rhino were left to jump all over The Hubstacle for a few hours and I went on my jolly way. I was pleased to see that the Post Office queue was not around the block and, even better my 9 parcels didn't cost as much as I thought they would to send.
My next appointment was a 2 hour carolling stint in the foyer of the local Tesco. Not on my own, I might add but with people from my operatic society. This was in order to raise some funds for our next production (the one I auditioned for a short while ago) as its going to be quite an expensive one.
I don' think I have ever sung in such cold conditions, but it was quite impressive that it started to snow when we embarked on 'silent night'. Between us, we do have some amazing vocals, but I feel we were a little under-rehearsed and we could have actually put on a bit of a show rather than just standing there. Perhaps for next year.
The manager asked if we took requests and then promptly asked for Kings of Leon - Sex on Fire, very funny indeed - get back to stacking your shelves mister! Actually, he was a good sport and very nice.
So, we are merrily singing and the money is clattering in to the buckets. Two ladies and a little boy come out of the shop and the lad (aged 9) asks if he can sing with us (aww bless!), so he did some carols. Mum asks him if he wants to stay longer (he does) and they ask if he will be ok with us for 30 mins while they go down the road to the garden centre.
Now, we have no responsibility for this lad, but they are a nice family and we are nice people and it really makes a change that a kid of that age is wanting to join us and not chuck stuff at us. So everyone is happy and we continue warbling, within 15 mins of his mum leaving, he says he has to check his phone and goes outside. We don't see him again.
Mum and family turn up 10 minutes later and we have to break the news that the lad has gone AWOL. They go off looking but 30 mins past and still no sign, everyone now is worried.
Tesco are brilliant, they immediately check their CCTV to get the last sighting of him, mum texts all her friends to look out for him, the police are called and we all split up to do a search.
Mum tells me that he has never done anything like this before, and to she is a trooper - coping better than I ever would.
Said boy is found, having decided to go off and try to find the garden centre. It was a lovely reunion between mother and son (both crying), but mum was very firm with him and he was under no illusion that he was in trouble. I said to him that we were all glad he was safe, but I hoped that he learned a valuable lesson for the future.
So, end of carols, I had to leave straight away and I missed the coffee and mince pies Tesco put on for the others (gutted). I got home to find that things were relatively in order and the place was not wrecked (bonus) and this afternoon, we put up the Christmas Tree and decorations.
Up until today, I was having trouble feeling festive, but the carols, tree decorating and most of all, my children's little faces when the tree lights were put on was enough to get me in to the mood and start to enjoy the countdown to the big day!
For some reason, I ended up having a bit of a lay-in this morning. The children, who are good sleepers anyway, woke up at 8.30am instead of 8am. The trouble is, and I don't know if any of you are the same, but the longer I lay in bed, the less I want to get out of it! Anyhoo, I dragged myself up for the day ahead.
I had a gazillion parcels to post this morning, and for once I was actually ahead of schedule and they had already been packaged up (impressed? I am!). Aardvark and Rhino were left to jump all over The Hubstacle for a few hours and I went on my jolly way. I was pleased to see that the Post Office queue was not around the block and, even better my 9 parcels didn't cost as much as I thought they would to send.
My next appointment was a 2 hour carolling stint in the foyer of the local Tesco. Not on my own, I might add but with people from my operatic society. This was in order to raise some funds for our next production (the one I auditioned for a short while ago) as its going to be quite an expensive one.
I don' think I have ever sung in such cold conditions, but it was quite impressive that it started to snow when we embarked on 'silent night'. Between us, we do have some amazing vocals, but I feel we were a little under-rehearsed and we could have actually put on a bit of a show rather than just standing there. Perhaps for next year.
The manager asked if we took requests and then promptly asked for Kings of Leon - Sex on Fire, very funny indeed - get back to stacking your shelves mister! Actually, he was a good sport and very nice.
So, we are merrily singing and the money is clattering in to the buckets. Two ladies and a little boy come out of the shop and the lad (aged 9) asks if he can sing with us (aww bless!), so he did some carols. Mum asks him if he wants to stay longer (he does) and they ask if he will be ok with us for 30 mins while they go down the road to the garden centre.
Now, we have no responsibility for this lad, but they are a nice family and we are nice people and it really makes a change that a kid of that age is wanting to join us and not chuck stuff at us. So everyone is happy and we continue warbling, within 15 mins of his mum leaving, he says he has to check his phone and goes outside. We don't see him again.
Mum and family turn up 10 minutes later and we have to break the news that the lad has gone AWOL. They go off looking but 30 mins past and still no sign, everyone now is worried.
Tesco are brilliant, they immediately check their CCTV to get the last sighting of him, mum texts all her friends to look out for him, the police are called and we all split up to do a search.
Mum tells me that he has never done anything like this before, and to she is a trooper - coping better than I ever would.
Said boy is found, having decided to go off and try to find the garden centre. It was a lovely reunion between mother and son (both crying), but mum was very firm with him and he was under no illusion that he was in trouble. I said to him that we were all glad he was safe, but I hoped that he learned a valuable lesson for the future.
So, end of carols, I had to leave straight away and I missed the coffee and mince pies Tesco put on for the others (gutted). I got home to find that things were relatively in order and the place was not wrecked (bonus) and this afternoon, we put up the Christmas Tree and decorations.
Up until today, I was having trouble feeling festive, but the carols, tree decorating and most of all, my children's little faces when the tree lights were put on was enough to get me in to the mood and start to enjoy the countdown to the big day!
Friday 17 December 2010
Present Panic
Following on from my post yesterday, does anyone, no matter how organised, get panicky this soon before Christmas?
Over the last 10 years I have been the most organised I have ever been at the festive season (I used to be a December 23rd shopper), but every year it is the same thing. A week before the BIG day I have the notion that I have not bought enough food, presents, decorations, wrapping paper, cards and all of a sudden I go panic buying.
It is ridiculous but I can't seem to help myself. I start my buying in September, I write lists to make sure I remember what I have bought, I write lists to remind myself what I need to buy and still I worry that I wont have enough.
Not sure why this really happens but it sure is bugging me this year and I have to make sure I don't go demented in the shop as its just us 4 this year so that side of beef and 150 cocktails sausages and 2lb block of cheese really is just not needed.
Over the last 10 years I have been the most organised I have ever been at the festive season (I used to be a December 23rd shopper), but every year it is the same thing. A week before the BIG day I have the notion that I have not bought enough food, presents, decorations, wrapping paper, cards and all of a sudden I go panic buying.
It is ridiculous but I can't seem to help myself. I start my buying in September, I write lists to make sure I remember what I have bought, I write lists to remind myself what I need to buy and still I worry that I wont have enough.
Not sure why this really happens but it sure is bugging me this year and I have to make sure I don't go demented in the shop as its just us 4 this year so that side of beef and 150 cocktails sausages and 2lb block of cheese really is just not needed.
Thursday 16 December 2010
Kitchen Khaos
Can anyone please tell me why it is that as soon as the kitchen gets cleaned and tidied, once your back is turned it becomes a complete and utter mess?
I wanted to embark on my Christmas cleaning, which is actually not too urgent this year as we are not entertaining (thank goodness) but I seem to be taking one step forward and three back.
It is not being helped much as I am making hampers, wrapping presents, writing cards, getting things ready to post, as well as trying to do all the other things in the kitchen. So I decided to tackle the mess, starting from the far door! This started at 10am.
By lunchtime I had answered the telephone 4 times, had drunk 2 cups of coffee, watched a bit of cBeebies, looked at the post, eaten a banana, played with Aardvark and Rhino and given them their biscuits. I had sorted out the cookery books though!
In the afternoon I did fair better but I actually just managed to displace the mess to other areas of the house. In fact now the back stairs cannot be negotiated because there are boxes and bags blocking them, which is not good for fire safety.
Even after all this - interspersed with having to run round after the children, husband, cooking their dinner - I still am not much further forward. It made me wonder what my obsession was with cleaning the house before Christmas?
When we have family to stay, there are bedrooms to get ready, bedding to arrange, furniture to shift and the house to prepare to make my guests feel at home and comfortable. I think its only fair to give them a clean and tidy place to stay - plus its a bit of pride when people think you have a well-ordered and neat home.
But, this year, its just us (something we were quite adamant about), so what is the point of knocking myself out anymore than usual? Well I think I know - I usually do some form of house-husbandry everyday and I have no intention of doing any of this between Christmas Eve and 2nd January.
So I have resigned myself to doing a bit more work now, especially as I have my best friend coming to stay on the 3rd, and she will need somewhere to sleep. Mind you, I don't think she would mind camping out on the boxes and bags in the back stairway!
I wanted to embark on my Christmas cleaning, which is actually not too urgent this year as we are not entertaining (thank goodness) but I seem to be taking one step forward and three back.
It is not being helped much as I am making hampers, wrapping presents, writing cards, getting things ready to post, as well as trying to do all the other things in the kitchen. So I decided to tackle the mess, starting from the far door! This started at 10am.
By lunchtime I had answered the telephone 4 times, had drunk 2 cups of coffee, watched a bit of cBeebies, looked at the post, eaten a banana, played with Aardvark and Rhino and given them their biscuits. I had sorted out the cookery books though!
In the afternoon I did fair better but I actually just managed to displace the mess to other areas of the house. In fact now the back stairs cannot be negotiated because there are boxes and bags blocking them, which is not good for fire safety.
Even after all this - interspersed with having to run round after the children, husband, cooking their dinner - I still am not much further forward. It made me wonder what my obsession was with cleaning the house before Christmas?
When we have family to stay, there are bedrooms to get ready, bedding to arrange, furniture to shift and the house to prepare to make my guests feel at home and comfortable. I think its only fair to give them a clean and tidy place to stay - plus its a bit of pride when people think you have a well-ordered and neat home.
But, this year, its just us (something we were quite adamant about), so what is the point of knocking myself out anymore than usual? Well I think I know - I usually do some form of house-husbandry everyday and I have no intention of doing any of this between Christmas Eve and 2nd January.
So I have resigned myself to doing a bit more work now, especially as I have my best friend coming to stay on the 3rd, and she will need somewhere to sleep. Mind you, I don't think she would mind camping out on the boxes and bags in the back stairway!
Wednesday 15 December 2010
Review - Suki and Me Artisan Chocolates and More
It is no secret that I enjoy a bit of chocolate now and again - perhaps too much and too often, but I am working on that one! The Hubstacle and I have been members of various chocolate tasting clubs but as we are not keen on alcohol and chocolate together, most of the box would go to waste.
We discovered a lovely new company called Suki and Me who are based in London's W1 .
Whoa! I hear you shout, that postcode alone means a high price tag. Well for what I had, it was well worth it indeed and I love trying new things.
Suki and Me is a new set-up and run totally and utterly by a lovely lady called Sarah and there is nothing that is too much trouble for her.
I ordered a selection box, I gave her the budget (£20) and I had a huge Fondant Fancy, Peanut Butter Cups, Rocky Road, and a bar of hand-tempered milk chocolate.
At this time you can only pay via paypal or bank transfer, but anyone with a small business and who is just starting out will know how expensive it is to get the equipment for card payments. However, this was certainly not an issue.
My order arrived in good time and the postman was nearly mugged that morning! The parcel was very well wrapped and the chocolates were presented beautifully in a lovely box and tissue paper. There is a hand-deliver/courier option for the London area, mine were posted first class.
I had originally ordered the selection for the Hubstacle and I to enjoy ourselves (i.e no kids!) at Christmas. Sarah advised me that the fondant needed to be eaten sooner rather than later, the rocky road and peanut butter cups could be frozen and the bar was fine to be left longer.
Of course because we are impulsive, we needed no excuse to have a tasting evening one night, and I was not disappointed.
The Fondant Fancy was large and could easily be sliced into 4, the sponge was lovely and light, the marzipan creamy and the icing utterly gorgeous. It was decorated so nicely and glittered on top. The Hubstacle is not fond of marzipan, but I was not going to complain about that and I ate half (on reflection probably not the best idea I have had!).
The Peanut Butter cups were dinky little things, but again one was enough to have. The chocolate on top was smooth as silk and the peanut butter bottom was deliciously crumbly, but held together.
The bar of milk, hand-tempered chocolate was a delight to look at as the decoration on top was beautiful. This valrhona chocolate was heaven to eat and nothing like you will ever taste from the high street. I never believed people when they told me that if the chocolate is of good quality, you will never go back to 'normal stuff' and if I had the money this would be very true indeed!
Finally - Rocky Road; this was truly my most favourite. It had amaretti biscuit, dark glace cherries, nuts and a fantastic ratio of chocolate. Every bite was a taste explosion and the sensation between soft, chewy and crumbly was just perfect - I loved it so much that I had 2 pieces!
You can see that Sarah takes enormous pride in her products, she works very hard and the results speak for themselves. We had our box as a (nearly) Christmas treat to ourselves and we would certainly buy them again (am already thinking valentines day hubby!).
Have a look at the website - http://www.sukiandme.com/, Sarah also supplies for special events such as weddings or corporate functions but even working to this scale does not distract from the attention she gives to individual customers. I recommend Suki and Me for the times when extra special treats are required!
Disclosure - I purchased a selection box to the value of £20.00
We discovered a lovely new company called Suki and Me who are based in London's W1 .
Whoa! I hear you shout, that postcode alone means a high price tag. Well for what I had, it was well worth it indeed and I love trying new things.
Suki and Me is a new set-up and run totally and utterly by a lovely lady called Sarah and there is nothing that is too much trouble for her.
I ordered a selection box, I gave her the budget (£20) and I had a huge Fondant Fancy, Peanut Butter Cups, Rocky Road, and a bar of hand-tempered milk chocolate.
At this time you can only pay via paypal or bank transfer, but anyone with a small business and who is just starting out will know how expensive it is to get the equipment for card payments. However, this was certainly not an issue.
My order arrived in good time and the postman was nearly mugged that morning! The parcel was very well wrapped and the chocolates were presented beautifully in a lovely box and tissue paper. There is a hand-deliver/courier option for the London area, mine were posted first class.
I had originally ordered the selection for the Hubstacle and I to enjoy ourselves (i.e no kids!) at Christmas. Sarah advised me that the fondant needed to be eaten sooner rather than later, the rocky road and peanut butter cups could be frozen and the bar was fine to be left longer.
Of course because we are impulsive, we needed no excuse to have a tasting evening one night, and I was not disappointed.
The Fondant Fancy was large and could easily be sliced into 4, the sponge was lovely and light, the marzipan creamy and the icing utterly gorgeous. It was decorated so nicely and glittered on top. The Hubstacle is not fond of marzipan, but I was not going to complain about that and I ate half (on reflection probably not the best idea I have had!).
The Peanut Butter cups were dinky little things, but again one was enough to have. The chocolate on top was smooth as silk and the peanut butter bottom was deliciously crumbly, but held together.
The bar of milk, hand-tempered chocolate was a delight to look at as the decoration on top was beautiful. This valrhona chocolate was heaven to eat and nothing like you will ever taste from the high street. I never believed people when they told me that if the chocolate is of good quality, you will never go back to 'normal stuff' and if I had the money this would be very true indeed!
Finally - Rocky Road; this was truly my most favourite. It had amaretti biscuit, dark glace cherries, nuts and a fantastic ratio of chocolate. Every bite was a taste explosion and the sensation between soft, chewy and crumbly was just perfect - I loved it so much that I had 2 pieces!
You can see that Sarah takes enormous pride in her products, she works very hard and the results speak for themselves. We had our box as a (nearly) Christmas treat to ourselves and we would certainly buy them again (am already thinking valentines day hubby!).
Have a look at the website - http://www.sukiandme.com/, Sarah also supplies for special events such as weddings or corporate functions but even working to this scale does not distract from the attention she gives to individual customers. I recommend Suki and Me for the times when extra special treats are required!
Disclosure - I purchased a selection box to the value of £20.00
Tuesday 14 December 2010
Toddler Group Tantrums
I have been involved with a Baby and Toddler group for about 18 months now and I tell you something, its a thankless task. Just like pretty much everywhere, there is an apathy when it comes to getting involved with things.
It seems that people want the services, but do not and will not have any involvement what -so-ever. BUT they will jump up and down, moan, groan, bitch and snipe at any little thing in an attempt to bring said service to its knees. What makes the pill even more difficult to swallow is that if the service is threatened with closure or suspension, they moan about that as well!
Here is the set-up; £1 per family, toys, art and crafts, themed activities throughout the year, Easter egg hunt, Christmas Party, Summer outings, Mothers Day gifts, Fathers Day gifts, homemade cakes, fresh fruit for the children, biscuits and refreshments.
You can imagine that there is also alot going on behind the scenes with admin, FaceBook page, website page, emails, policies, risk assessments, insurance, committee work, fundraising, newspaper column, newsletter, new members info, week to week work and loads more.
I think that this is a pretty good deal for a quid.
A bank of 8 volunteers (3 committee members) split between 2 group sessions has meant that there has been a great deal of work, especially when only 3 or 4 of them consistently do any work at all. It has become an albatross around my neck and I cannot wait to stand-down at the AGM.
Apart from the pettiness within the people who run it (in fact some do not run anything but still want a say in how the group is managed!) there is also a small minority of parents who like being pathetically below the belt.
When I do something it is never half-baked and I throw myself into it, well lesson learned because everyone was very happy to let me do all the work and as a result I became used and now resentful.
We are having to have a meeting to discuss the groups future, but it looks like it will be wound down as I cannot for one moment envisage anyone else getting of their arses and maintaining what we have achieved over this time.
Such a shame.
It seems that people want the services, but do not and will not have any involvement what -so-ever. BUT they will jump up and down, moan, groan, bitch and snipe at any little thing in an attempt to bring said service to its knees. What makes the pill even more difficult to swallow is that if the service is threatened with closure or suspension, they moan about that as well!
Here is the set-up; £1 per family, toys, art and crafts, themed activities throughout the year, Easter egg hunt, Christmas Party, Summer outings, Mothers Day gifts, Fathers Day gifts, homemade cakes, fresh fruit for the children, biscuits and refreshments.
You can imagine that there is also alot going on behind the scenes with admin, FaceBook page, website page, emails, policies, risk assessments, insurance, committee work, fundraising, newspaper column, newsletter, new members info, week to week work and loads more.
I think that this is a pretty good deal for a quid.
A bank of 8 volunteers (3 committee members) split between 2 group sessions has meant that there has been a great deal of work, especially when only 3 or 4 of them consistently do any work at all. It has become an albatross around my neck and I cannot wait to stand-down at the AGM.
Apart from the pettiness within the people who run it (in fact some do not run anything but still want a say in how the group is managed!) there is also a small minority of parents who like being pathetically below the belt.
When I do something it is never half-baked and I throw myself into it, well lesson learned because everyone was very happy to let me do all the work and as a result I became used and now resentful.
We are having to have a meeting to discuss the groups future, but it looks like it will be wound down as I cannot for one moment envisage anyone else getting of their arses and maintaining what we have achieved over this time.
Such a shame.
Monday 13 December 2010
Credit Where Credit Is Due
We all love to complain sometimes don't we? Especially when its to big corporations, Government Agencies or anyone 'official'. Lets be honest we also like to complain if we might get something for free as well!
Last year Rhino turned 1, it was a big milestone for us as when he was born he took us totally by surprise and was premature (not that you would know it now mind you!).
I ordered all of his presents from the Early Learning Centre (in good time) and they did not arrive. To cut a long story short, I had to write numerous emails, letters and make loads of telephone call before I eventually discovered the name of the head chap. I wrote directly to him, included a dossier of all my correspondence and sent it special delivery.
He was on the phone to me the morning he got the letter, we got a full refund and the whole order of toys for free. Now, of course I feel really happy that we got the toys for free (who wouldn't?!) and yes I agree that where shoddy service occurs, customer faith needs to be restored.
I did have to go to quite a bit of trouble, but my letters and phone calls were always polite (but firm!) as jumping up and down does certainly not get you anywhere fast (I speak from experience here!).
However, the point to this waffle is that we have to make sure we reward people for excellent service. Today, after standing in the Asda Post Office queue for 25 minutes, I finally got served. The lady behind the counter was cheery, good humoured and very nice indeed. I had a few parcels to send, lots of stamps to buy and as the post box was full, lots of stamps to stick too!
She helped me stick the stamps, she waited patiently whilst I addressed two of the packages (I had to buy the large envelopes first) and she chatted to Aardvark who was sitting on the counter eyeing up all of the 'stickers' (stamps!) and was really lovely to deal with.
Normally, and especially at this time of year I feel under pressure at the counter, rushed and the staff can be very curt. I have not experienced this at all during this visit.
I am going to contact them and let them know how well they did today. It's tough, no matter what your business size, when all the feedback you ever get is negative. It must be so demoralising when the only time you get contacted is for someone to complain.
So I am going to spread a little cheer and give those who deserve it a lovely, apprciative, pat on the back!
Last year Rhino turned 1, it was a big milestone for us as when he was born he took us totally by surprise and was premature (not that you would know it now mind you!).
I ordered all of his presents from the Early Learning Centre (in good time) and they did not arrive. To cut a long story short, I had to write numerous emails, letters and make loads of telephone call before I eventually discovered the name of the head chap. I wrote directly to him, included a dossier of all my correspondence and sent it special delivery.
He was on the phone to me the morning he got the letter, we got a full refund and the whole order of toys for free. Now, of course I feel really happy that we got the toys for free (who wouldn't?!) and yes I agree that where shoddy service occurs, customer faith needs to be restored.
I did have to go to quite a bit of trouble, but my letters and phone calls were always polite (but firm!) as jumping up and down does certainly not get you anywhere fast (I speak from experience here!).
However, the point to this waffle is that we have to make sure we reward people for excellent service. Today, after standing in the Asda Post Office queue for 25 minutes, I finally got served. The lady behind the counter was cheery, good humoured and very nice indeed. I had a few parcels to send, lots of stamps to buy and as the post box was full, lots of stamps to stick too!
She helped me stick the stamps, she waited patiently whilst I addressed two of the packages (I had to buy the large envelopes first) and she chatted to Aardvark who was sitting on the counter eyeing up all of the 'stickers' (stamps!) and was really lovely to deal with.
Normally, and especially at this time of year I feel under pressure at the counter, rushed and the staff can be very curt. I have not experienced this at all during this visit.
I am going to contact them and let them know how well they did today. It's tough, no matter what your business size, when all the feedback you ever get is negative. It must be so demoralising when the only time you get contacted is for someone to complain.
So I am going to spread a little cheer and give those who deserve it a lovely, apprciative, pat on the back!
Sunday 12 December 2010
Hubstacle - isms
I do have a laugh - at the hubstacles expense, he is really good at saying things the wrong way or pronouncing words incorrectly. As I have the hearing of a bat, I pick up on them immediately and the hysterics then commence.
Here are some examples -
1 - We are in a posh restaurant and he asks for the 'de-viled' prawns' (deviled). The waitress remained professional and calm. I however spat my wine all over the place laughing.
2 - We are driving in place we have never visited before, he says 'shall we follow the shitty shentre shines?' I nearly wet myself and he ends up having to pull over in a bus stop so he can compose himself before driving on.
3 - Commenting on something he asks 'have I got this the white way wound?' after laughing so much he forgets what he was asking.
4 - He calls the dog numerous times, gets quite cross when the dog won't respond until I point out he is shouting our son's name out!
5 - Making a choice about a snack he says; 'I'll have some macca dacca mania nuts' (macadamia)
6 - Talking about the farm he states, 'we won't be joining the shoil ashoshiation'
Just remembering these things makes me crack up laughing and I think that as a couple who have been together 9 years, married for 7 its great to have humour. All too many couples lose their funniness, or they get too serious and it turns in to other things which can be very negative in a relationship.
We get fits of the giggles quite alot and the hubstacle has a very infectious laugh and when he gets hysterical he sounds like a 13 year old girl on helium. This in itself creates that loop of laughing that, if you have ever experienced it, seems like you will never escape. You can't breathe, tears are streaming down your cheeks, your stomach hurts but the strangest thing is, is that if you try and explain whats funny to someone else it just does not seem funny at all!
Happy laughing everyone - keeps the stress away! x
Here are some examples -
1 - We are in a posh restaurant and he asks for the 'de-viled' prawns' (deviled). The waitress remained professional and calm. I however spat my wine all over the place laughing.
2 - We are driving in place we have never visited before, he says 'shall we follow the shitty shentre shines?' I nearly wet myself and he ends up having to pull over in a bus stop so he can compose himself before driving on.
3 - Commenting on something he asks 'have I got this the white way wound?' after laughing so much he forgets what he was asking.
4 - He calls the dog numerous times, gets quite cross when the dog won't respond until I point out he is shouting our son's name out!
5 - Making a choice about a snack he says; 'I'll have some macca dacca mania nuts' (macadamia)
6 - Talking about the farm he states, 'we won't be joining the shoil ashoshiation'
Just remembering these things makes me crack up laughing and I think that as a couple who have been together 9 years, married for 7 its great to have humour. All too many couples lose their funniness, or they get too serious and it turns in to other things which can be very negative in a relationship.
We get fits of the giggles quite alot and the hubstacle has a very infectious laugh and when he gets hysterical he sounds like a 13 year old girl on helium. This in itself creates that loop of laughing that, if you have ever experienced it, seems like you will never escape. You can't breathe, tears are streaming down your cheeks, your stomach hurts but the strangest thing is, is that if you try and explain whats funny to someone else it just does not seem funny at all!
Happy laughing everyone - keeps the stress away! x
Saturday 11 December 2010
Birthday Blues
Aardvark and Rhino went to their first birthday party today and they absolutely had a ball. I wondered how a party for a 2 year old, with guests of varying ages was going to work but the key was to keep it simple, simple, simple.
The children just wanted to play and there were lots of ride on toys, pop up tents and toys for them to play with. We had a game of pass the parcel, each child got a turn to unwrap the parcel and Aardvark was very gracious at passing the darn thing even when I could tell she wanted to rip all the paper off herself!
The children sat down to eat, which was a great idea, all too many times I have seen kids running about with food. Not only is it more dangerous but it ends up everywhere and there is loads more cleaning to be done (not my most favourite thing!). Aardvark and Rhino had the most splendid table manners and I don't think I really appreciated just how well behaved they are (even at 1 and 2) until today. Most of the other kids were having tantrums, jumping up and down on the chairs, throwing food about, smearing it all over the place and generally behaving badly.
I had to hand it to the birthday child's mother, she did a great job with the food and even made a cake in the shape of a Balamory character! Us parents were all treated to a CD full of cBeebies theme tunes (as if we don't get enough of those during the daylight hours!). I am sure the host did it on purpose!
Again (see one of my previous posts this month about the wedding), the host mummy (crikey that sounds rather Ridley Scott!) said that she was really cross that some people had just rsvp'd in the positive to the invite, but then didn't turn up, or contact her to say they would not be coming.
Does anyone else find this kind of behaviour unacceptable? It's damn rude in my opinion and people should really be ashamed of themselves. You may think its no big deal as its only a toddlers birthday.
Yes the child had a lovely time and wouldn't have had a scooby do if little bobby wasn't there. BUT host mummy has spent time, effort and money on the food, balloons, party bags and the organisation of the whole thing.
What a disgrace and it teaches children that you can let people down at the important events in their lives as if they mean nothing. I am not going to bring my children up like that.
The children just wanted to play and there were lots of ride on toys, pop up tents and toys for them to play with. We had a game of pass the parcel, each child got a turn to unwrap the parcel and Aardvark was very gracious at passing the darn thing even when I could tell she wanted to rip all the paper off herself!
The children sat down to eat, which was a great idea, all too many times I have seen kids running about with food. Not only is it more dangerous but it ends up everywhere and there is loads more cleaning to be done (not my most favourite thing!). Aardvark and Rhino had the most splendid table manners and I don't think I really appreciated just how well behaved they are (even at 1 and 2) until today. Most of the other kids were having tantrums, jumping up and down on the chairs, throwing food about, smearing it all over the place and generally behaving badly.
I had to hand it to the birthday child's mother, she did a great job with the food and even made a cake in the shape of a Balamory character! Us parents were all treated to a CD full of cBeebies theme tunes (as if we don't get enough of those during the daylight hours!). I am sure the host did it on purpose!
Again (see one of my previous posts this month about the wedding), the host mummy (crikey that sounds rather Ridley Scott!) said that she was really cross that some people had just rsvp'd in the positive to the invite, but then didn't turn up, or contact her to say they would not be coming.
Does anyone else find this kind of behaviour unacceptable? It's damn rude in my opinion and people should really be ashamed of themselves. You may think its no big deal as its only a toddlers birthday.
Yes the child had a lovely time and wouldn't have had a scooby do if little bobby wasn't there. BUT host mummy has spent time, effort and money on the food, balloons, party bags and the organisation of the whole thing.
What a disgrace and it teaches children that you can let people down at the important events in their lives as if they mean nothing. I am not going to bring my children up like that.
Friday 10 December 2010
Bumble Has Arrived!
I became a Nanny at 0553hrs on the 10th December, Bumble (a boy) weighed in at 8lbs 9oz and by all accounts is very long (just like his Daddy was!). Regular readers will know from my previous post that this was a long labour for my eldest's g/f and it was tough for her.
The result however is a little (well, not so little) bundle of babyness that I can't wait to see, and cuddle!
Here-in lies the problem, I am just about as far North in England as you can get, they are in near London. You can imagine the train prices this time of year (flying is the same) and unless I want a 10 hour bus journey travelling by car is the only option really, but its a long journey to do by yourself.
I am not sure what to do at the moment, my hubstacle says to wait until after Christmas and we can all go together, but I am not so sure that I actually want to wait. I suppose it is when things like this happen that I curse being so far away (not that I would change anything!).
So I am now trawling the internet to try and find a decent way of getting there without draining the bank account.
Wish me luck!
The result however is a little (well, not so little) bundle of babyness that I can't wait to see, and cuddle!
Here-in lies the problem, I am just about as far North in England as you can get, they are in near London. You can imagine the train prices this time of year (flying is the same) and unless I want a 10 hour bus journey travelling by car is the only option really, but its a long journey to do by yourself.
I am not sure what to do at the moment, my hubstacle says to wait until after Christmas and we can all go together, but I am not so sure that I actually want to wait. I suppose it is when things like this happen that I curse being so far away (not that I would change anything!).
So I am now trawling the internet to try and find a decent way of getting there without draining the bank account.
Wish me luck!
Thursday 9 December 2010
Glam Gran
You may, or may not know but in addition to Aardvark, aged 2 and Rhino, aged 1 I also have 2 very big children - 2 sons, one aged 17 and the other 20. I became pregnant with my eldest when I was very young - that part of my life deserves a separate blog for itself so I won't go in to things on this entry.
Last year my eldest and his girlfriend announced that they were expecting a baby. At first I was horrified, but I soon have a dose of reality when I realise they are somewhat older than I was as a first time parent. I suppose you learn from experience and I know how hard it was for me bringing a baby into the world when I was younger. I guess I just wanted them to live their lives for a bit and not get bogged down with huge responsibilities. I was also a bit frightened for them because it was tough for me.
The long and short of it was that the baby developed very well, in all aspects, apart from its brain - which did not form at all. The baby - a little girl - was totally and utterly perfect but would not live more than a few minutes after birth. My eldest and his g/f were 20 weeks pregnant by this time and they made the heart-wrenching decision that the pregnancy could not go on. His g/f gave birth to that gorgeous little girl at nearly 30 weeks pregnant.
I felt terrible at the negativity I initially experienced - not to my son, to myself, at the news of the pregnancy. The way it turned out was terribly upsetting and not something I would ever wish on anyone.
Anyhow, they got pregnant again and things have gone smoothly.
Little Bumble was due on the 1/12 and here I am, having received a text message at 0845hrs this morning, telly me that it was all systems go and they were at the hospital. My phone has been glued to my side all day (even in the toilet) and I have been pacing up and down like an expectant 1950's father.
I keep telling myself that no news is good news, and I know (from quite a bit of experience) that they could be there for the long-haul! However, I am at the other end of the country and feel totally useless. I should be there for them.
How do I feel about becoming a Granny? Well I am 37 years old, it was going to be highly probable that I was going to have a grandchild at a young(ish) age, but I still don't think it will sink in until I actually hold Little Bumble in my arms. I am scared for them, but then again I coped very well indeed in fact given the situation I was in I did excellently.
A new life is about to come into the world - and there is a Glam Gran just waiting to love that Little Bumble very much indeed - no matter what!
Last year my eldest and his girlfriend announced that they were expecting a baby. At first I was horrified, but I soon have a dose of reality when I realise they are somewhat older than I was as a first time parent. I suppose you learn from experience and I know how hard it was for me bringing a baby into the world when I was younger. I guess I just wanted them to live their lives for a bit and not get bogged down with huge responsibilities. I was also a bit frightened for them because it was tough for me.
The long and short of it was that the baby developed very well, in all aspects, apart from its brain - which did not form at all. The baby - a little girl - was totally and utterly perfect but would not live more than a few minutes after birth. My eldest and his g/f were 20 weeks pregnant by this time and they made the heart-wrenching decision that the pregnancy could not go on. His g/f gave birth to that gorgeous little girl at nearly 30 weeks pregnant.
I felt terrible at the negativity I initially experienced - not to my son, to myself, at the news of the pregnancy. The way it turned out was terribly upsetting and not something I would ever wish on anyone.
Anyhow, they got pregnant again and things have gone smoothly.
Little Bumble was due on the 1/12 and here I am, having received a text message at 0845hrs this morning, telly me that it was all systems go and they were at the hospital. My phone has been glued to my side all day (even in the toilet) and I have been pacing up and down like an expectant 1950's father.
I keep telling myself that no news is good news, and I know (from quite a bit of experience) that they could be there for the long-haul! However, I am at the other end of the country and feel totally useless. I should be there for them.
How do I feel about becoming a Granny? Well I am 37 years old, it was going to be highly probable that I was going to have a grandchild at a young(ish) age, but I still don't think it will sink in until I actually hold Little Bumble in my arms. I am scared for them, but then again I coped very well indeed in fact given the situation I was in I did excellently.
A new life is about to come into the world - and there is a Glam Gran just waiting to love that Little Bumble very much indeed - no matter what!
Wednesday 8 December 2010
Life In The Day
Ok, well this might be the worlds most boring day anyone has ever had to read, but I like boring people, so here we go!
0800 - 1000hrs Went 0ut in my PJ's to defrost the chickens...well their water. Big mistake as within about 2 minutes I was blue with cold (-11 here!). Tried hopping up and down in a vain attempt to kick-start the circulation and slipped on the ice and ended up flat on my backside in the snow. The passing motorists were very amused, I could tell from the tone of their honking horns!
Got Aardvark and Rhino up, neither of which had wet the bed, which was a bonus, got them dressed and breakfast down them. Coffee for me watching Auntie Mabel and Pippin find out where poo goes after you flush.
1000 - 1200hrs I am still in my PJ's, the ankle snappers have trodden biscuits in to the carpet, I have told Rhino to stop pulling out the DVD's off the shelf about a million times, hubby has come in for a break from the cold and gets the sharp end of my tongue when he casually asks if I am 'getting dressed any time soon?'.
1200 - 1400hrs For the record, I am now dressed. Everyone lunched and I am now picking toast out of my hair after Rhino kept kissing me with his mouth full. Aardvark wants a story read to her (the same one as the last 20 times) but then gets distracted when Mr Tumble comes on.
This enables me to dive - commando style in to the kitchen to survey the devastation and try to clear up. 2 seconds later, Rhino toddles in and pulls out the entire contents of a cupboard out on to the floor. I tread on the salad spinner, drop a plate, it smashes, I shout, Rhino cries, Aardvark wanders in to see whats happening and leaves rolling her eyes at me. I feel like a rubbish mum.
1400 - 1600hrs Its all gone belly up, chaos rules and I have resorted to giving up for a couple of hours. I feel like a rubbish mum
1600 - 1800hrs Feeding time at the zoo, I am famished but going to Slimming World tonight so am starving myself today. This of course will make knack-all difference because I have eaten far too much rubbish all week. There is a logic in there somewhere - I have no idea where.
Rhino crayons on the wall, gets a telling off, starts crying big fat tears and runs off to Aardvark who cuddles him whilst giving me a very old fashioned look.
Result - I feel like a rubbish mum (theme going here if you have noticed!)
1800 - 2000hrs I put Rhino to bed and we have a cuddle while I give him his milk. He seems to love me again as he is pulling my nose and trying to extract my teeth with his bare hands.
Hubstacle home and I give Aardvark a cuddle before going off to Slimming World, the drive there is like the walk of the condemned.
FFS - I have gained 1.5lbs, EVERYONE ELSE has lost weight and I feel totally and utterly rubbish and want a great big bag of chips - I don't though.
2000 - 2200hrs Go to Tesco on the way home, hubstacle rings tells me he has Rhino on his knee. My battery goes flat, the payphone doesn't work so I have to resort to going back to the car to charge my phone enough to be able to ring home. No emergency, so back to shopping I go.
Meet a member of the drama society I belong to, she tells me it was the 2nd round of auditions tonight and who went for what part. I don't stand a flipperty gibbet chance so went on to buy things I don't need to compensate.
Got home, made tuna and rice, watched Garrow's Law whilst hubstacle had a bath. Left a mess in the kitchen which I will swear about tomorrow morning.
2200 - 0000hrs Checked on children, Aardvark said she loved me in her sleep, Rhino passed wind and I went to bed.
Told you it would be.................zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
0800 - 1000hrs Went 0ut in my PJ's to defrost the chickens...well their water. Big mistake as within about 2 minutes I was blue with cold (-11 here!). Tried hopping up and down in a vain attempt to kick-start the circulation and slipped on the ice and ended up flat on my backside in the snow. The passing motorists were very amused, I could tell from the tone of their honking horns!
Got Aardvark and Rhino up, neither of which had wet the bed, which was a bonus, got them dressed and breakfast down them. Coffee for me watching Auntie Mabel and Pippin find out where poo goes after you flush.
1000 - 1200hrs I am still in my PJ's, the ankle snappers have trodden biscuits in to the carpet, I have told Rhino to stop pulling out the DVD's off the shelf about a million times, hubby has come in for a break from the cold and gets the sharp end of my tongue when he casually asks if I am 'getting dressed any time soon?'.
1200 - 1400hrs For the record, I am now dressed. Everyone lunched and I am now picking toast out of my hair after Rhino kept kissing me with his mouth full. Aardvark wants a story read to her (the same one as the last 20 times) but then gets distracted when Mr Tumble comes on.
This enables me to dive - commando style in to the kitchen to survey the devastation and try to clear up. 2 seconds later, Rhino toddles in and pulls out the entire contents of a cupboard out on to the floor. I tread on the salad spinner, drop a plate, it smashes, I shout, Rhino cries, Aardvark wanders in to see whats happening and leaves rolling her eyes at me. I feel like a rubbish mum.
1400 - 1600hrs Its all gone belly up, chaos rules and I have resorted to giving up for a couple of hours. I feel like a rubbish mum
1600 - 1800hrs Feeding time at the zoo, I am famished but going to Slimming World tonight so am starving myself today. This of course will make knack-all difference because I have eaten far too much rubbish all week. There is a logic in there somewhere - I have no idea where.
Rhino crayons on the wall, gets a telling off, starts crying big fat tears and runs off to Aardvark who cuddles him whilst giving me a very old fashioned look.
Result - I feel like a rubbish mum (theme going here if you have noticed!)
1800 - 2000hrs I put Rhino to bed and we have a cuddle while I give him his milk. He seems to love me again as he is pulling my nose and trying to extract my teeth with his bare hands.
Hubstacle home and I give Aardvark a cuddle before going off to Slimming World, the drive there is like the walk of the condemned.
FFS - I have gained 1.5lbs, EVERYONE ELSE has lost weight and I feel totally and utterly rubbish and want a great big bag of chips - I don't though.
2000 - 2200hrs Go to Tesco on the way home, hubstacle rings tells me he has Rhino on his knee. My battery goes flat, the payphone doesn't work so I have to resort to going back to the car to charge my phone enough to be able to ring home. No emergency, so back to shopping I go.
Meet a member of the drama society I belong to, she tells me it was the 2nd round of auditions tonight and who went for what part. I don't stand a flipperty gibbet chance so went on to buy things I don't need to compensate.
Got home, made tuna and rice, watched Garrow's Law whilst hubstacle had a bath. Left a mess in the kitchen which I will swear about tomorrow morning.
2200 - 0000hrs Checked on children, Aardvark said she loved me in her sleep, Rhino passed wind and I went to bed.
Told you it would be.................zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Tuesday 7 December 2010
Couldn't Knock The Skin Off A Rice Pud
Not only does my affection lay with G&T, but I have been known to consume the odd pudding here and there. As my waistline can currently testify, I probably partake in them a little too often and this is the reason why I joined Slimming World a few months ago!
Anyhoo, this morning, I quite clearly, utterly and totally remember saying to the hubstacle 'As its -10 degrees today, how about I make you a lovely hearty rice pudding for when you come in?'
Naturally, this went down very well indeed and he went off to work, with a spring in his step, happy and outside with the animals all day. So you would now assume that I scooted off in to the kitchen and lovingly prepared, with my own fair hands, this pud of sweet milkiness for him to enjoy and warm him when he arrived home?
No, I promptly forgot.
Well, I hear you cry, you do have Aardvark and Rhino to entertain all day. This is true in as such that I have had to break up fights and tantrums, clear up biscuits trodden in to the carpet, change nappies and the like. But actually if the truth be known, I could have found a few minutes to bung together some pudding rice, sugar and nutmeg (I even have some I don't have to grate!).
It seems though when the hubstacle voiced his disappointment at the severe lack of dessert, I somehow made him feel guilty for daring to even be upset.
In actual fact, and on reflection, I think I was feeling as bit guilty about sitting in the warm house, drinking coffee, watching cBeebies and not giving his pudding needs a second thought.
So, what to do? Well, if I make a rice pudding for him tomorrow, my guilt will be obvious. I don't think Ice Cream is going to go down very well in these Baltic conditions and I made him his favourite tiffin the other day.
Hang on, I made him tiffin.... so in actual fact, the hubstacle owes me!
Anyhoo, this morning, I quite clearly, utterly and totally remember saying to the hubstacle 'As its -10 degrees today, how about I make you a lovely hearty rice pudding for when you come in?'
Naturally, this went down very well indeed and he went off to work, with a spring in his step, happy and outside with the animals all day. So you would now assume that I scooted off in to the kitchen and lovingly prepared, with my own fair hands, this pud of sweet milkiness for him to enjoy and warm him when he arrived home?
No, I promptly forgot.
Well, I hear you cry, you do have Aardvark and Rhino to entertain all day. This is true in as such that I have had to break up fights and tantrums, clear up biscuits trodden in to the carpet, change nappies and the like. But actually if the truth be known, I could have found a few minutes to bung together some pudding rice, sugar and nutmeg (I even have some I don't have to grate!).
It seems though when the hubstacle voiced his disappointment at the severe lack of dessert, I somehow made him feel guilty for daring to even be upset.
In actual fact, and on reflection, I think I was feeling as bit guilty about sitting in the warm house, drinking coffee, watching cBeebies and not giving his pudding needs a second thought.
So, what to do? Well, if I make a rice pudding for him tomorrow, my guilt will be obvious. I don't think Ice Cream is going to go down very well in these Baltic conditions and I made him his favourite tiffin the other day.
Hang on, I made him tiffin.... so in actual fact, the hubstacle owes me!
Monday 6 December 2010
Too Proud For Help
In the place we live, we have had nearly 3 ft of snow over the last 11 days. A break during the weekend meant that we thought we were in for a little bit of thawing as the sun shone and the temperatures crept up a bit. However as I write this, it is snowing, again, very heavily and we are back to having to dig people out at the top of our farm track.
I have wondered over these few days on the welfare of other people. We live rurally and there are pockets of houses all over the countryside and I find myself worrying about people I don't even know exist!
So, whilst in my crusader-mode I have offered our 4x4/tractor services to those people who are stuck or in need of supplies. I do this out of my own feelings of moral duty to help other people. So I was very surprised when someone asked me how much I am charging to do this. At first I was insulted that people assume I will ask for money but then I realised that this is the age where you can't get anything without it having a price tag.
No-one has taken me up on my offer, I even asked for other 4x4 owners to get in touch so we could arrange some kind of support to those who need it. Again, no one has come forward and I find this very difficult to understand why. Pride, I think has quite a bit to do with it, there seems to be a stigma of weakness if you can't fend for yourself. There is also an apathy in helping other and quite a few adopt the attitude if they are ok, then thats fine.
Our old neighbours went without heating for 3 weeks and never mentioned a thing. If they had, we could have leant them 4 electric heaters, but it seemed preferable to them to be freezing cold as opposed to knocking on our door.
My thoughts are; drop in on your neighbours, stop and ask people if there is any help you can give them. Ring the people in your phone book because even if you can't help them directly, you can bet your bottom dollar that they will be glad you cared enough to call.
I have wondered over these few days on the welfare of other people. We live rurally and there are pockets of houses all over the countryside and I find myself worrying about people I don't even know exist!
So, whilst in my crusader-mode I have offered our 4x4/tractor services to those people who are stuck or in need of supplies. I do this out of my own feelings of moral duty to help other people. So I was very surprised when someone asked me how much I am charging to do this. At first I was insulted that people assume I will ask for money but then I realised that this is the age where you can't get anything without it having a price tag.
No-one has taken me up on my offer, I even asked for other 4x4 owners to get in touch so we could arrange some kind of support to those who need it. Again, no one has come forward and I find this very difficult to understand why. Pride, I think has quite a bit to do with it, there seems to be a stigma of weakness if you can't fend for yourself. There is also an apathy in helping other and quite a few adopt the attitude if they are ok, then thats fine.
Our old neighbours went without heating for 3 weeks and never mentioned a thing. If they had, we could have leant them 4 electric heaters, but it seemed preferable to them to be freezing cold as opposed to knocking on our door.
My thoughts are; drop in on your neighbours, stop and ask people if there is any help you can give them. Ring the people in your phone book because even if you can't help them directly, you can bet your bottom dollar that they will be glad you cared enough to call.
Sunday 5 December 2010
Wedded Bliss
I come from quite a social family. Although I don't have any siblings, my Grandparents had lots, so I have a plethora of Aunts, Uncles and cousins. Not always a positive thing but it means that our family 'do's' are always a gregarious and fun affair.
So, last night we attended a wedding reception, the first 'proper' social occasion we have actually been invited to since moving to our current location. I swear people must have thought I was from another planet as I gaily got into the swing of party mood socialising.
Notice I can abbreviate this to PMS and believe me you would have thought that most of the guests were suffering from it from the way they were acting.
My little Aardvark - aged 2, wanted to dance so up Mummy got and we pranced about on the dance floor just like we do at home. You would have thought I was swinging her about by her ankles with the looks I was getting.
Needless to say when I was on all fours with Rhino - aged 1, looking at the pretty disco ball lights on the floor I could hear the en-mass tutting above the very loud tones of Rick Astley saying he was 'Never gonna give you up'.
This brings me on to contemplate wedding etiquette and the fact that I might have to rein myself in a bit. I asked the hubstacle what he thought and he said that I socialise effectively for the whole family! I can only assume that this means I am over the top, but I cant just sit back with the others and look like I am having a totally rubbish experience at what is very important to someone else.
At my wedding the dance floor was packed with 4 generations of family, all of which doing Bohemian Rhapsody in perfect unison followed by the Macarena. It was a beautiful sight!
Anyhoo, we had a blast but what did amaze me was that today, I discovered that 3 people I knew were there (I didn't see them), but not one of them came up and said 'Hello' - How wude!
The table we sat at were, thank crikey, in the same mental state as us and we soon filled our end of the room with raucous laughter and general frivolity. Compared to most of the other guests who seemed to be permanently attached to their chairs, I think we more than made up the PMS.
I just wish people would not say they are coming to weddings and then not turn up. What is wrong with people now-a-days? However this can be saved for another entry.
The main thing was that the bride and groom had a lovely time, were happy and embark off into married life with their hopes and dreams alive!
I could write something sarcastic right now, but I had better let them feel the happiness for a while!
So, last night we attended a wedding reception, the first 'proper' social occasion we have actually been invited to since moving to our current location. I swear people must have thought I was from another planet as I gaily got into the swing of party mood socialising.
Notice I can abbreviate this to PMS and believe me you would have thought that most of the guests were suffering from it from the way they were acting.
My little Aardvark - aged 2, wanted to dance so up Mummy got and we pranced about on the dance floor just like we do at home. You would have thought I was swinging her about by her ankles with the looks I was getting.
Needless to say when I was on all fours with Rhino - aged 1, looking at the pretty disco ball lights on the floor I could hear the en-mass tutting above the very loud tones of Rick Astley saying he was 'Never gonna give you up'.
This brings me on to contemplate wedding etiquette and the fact that I might have to rein myself in a bit. I asked the hubstacle what he thought and he said that I socialise effectively for the whole family! I can only assume that this means I am over the top, but I cant just sit back with the others and look like I am having a totally rubbish experience at what is very important to someone else.
At my wedding the dance floor was packed with 4 generations of family, all of which doing Bohemian Rhapsody in perfect unison followed by the Macarena. It was a beautiful sight!
Anyhoo, we had a blast but what did amaze me was that today, I discovered that 3 people I knew were there (I didn't see them), but not one of them came up and said 'Hello' - How wude!
The table we sat at were, thank crikey, in the same mental state as us and we soon filled our end of the room with raucous laughter and general frivolity. Compared to most of the other guests who seemed to be permanently attached to their chairs, I think we more than made up the PMS.
I just wish people would not say they are coming to weddings and then not turn up. What is wrong with people now-a-days? However this can be saved for another entry.
The main thing was that the bride and groom had a lovely time, were happy and embark off into married life with their hopes and dreams alive!
I could write something sarcastic right now, but I had better let them feel the happiness for a while!
Saturday 4 December 2010
Snow Joke
There has been quite a bit of harrumphing, huffing and puffing in this household this morning. We live quite rurally and have had about 2 and a half feet of snow. Needless to say, the postman has not been delivering our mail. Now ordinarily this would mean no bills and that equals happiness (albeit on a temporary basis)
However, the hustacle has a few things on order, my Christmas pressie being one (and the most important of course) and he is getting a bit itchy and scratchy about the whole thing. I can see his point I suppose, the postie drives right by our farm track on his route to other villages. What makes it even worse is that when hustacle trudges in to the town sorting office, he is informed ALL of our backlogged mail is on the van!
You remember the one, the one that drives past us twice a day and doesn't stop!
As I type, he has just driven off again in search of the postman, who if he has any sense has stopped off for a nice warm cup of tea somewhere. He will then go back to the sorting office only to be handed leaflets on stair lifts, slipper shoes and conservatories! You can imagine the happiness he will exude when he gets home.
I really don't think the post office realise the friction this causes in our household, but I tell you one thing, if my Christmas present doesn't turn up, that postie will be devoid of his Christmas baubles!
However, the hustacle has a few things on order, my Christmas pressie being one (and the most important of course) and he is getting a bit itchy and scratchy about the whole thing. I can see his point I suppose, the postie drives right by our farm track on his route to other villages. What makes it even worse is that when hustacle trudges in to the town sorting office, he is informed ALL of our backlogged mail is on the van!
You remember the one, the one that drives past us twice a day and doesn't stop!
As I type, he has just driven off again in search of the postman, who if he has any sense has stopped off for a nice warm cup of tea somewhere. He will then go back to the sorting office only to be handed leaflets on stair lifts, slipper shoes and conservatories! You can imagine the happiness he will exude when he gets home.
I really don't think the post office realise the friction this causes in our household, but I tell you one thing, if my Christmas present doesn't turn up, that postie will be devoid of his Christmas baubles!
Friday 3 December 2010
Someone told me....
that as as I waffle an awful lot, it would be a good idea to start a blog. Egged on by a fellow Twitter friend (not sure if you can actually be friends with someone you never met, but hey!) and blogger (mediocre_mum - she needs to pay me for the endorsement) I have taken the plunge.
I quite actually fancy reviewing things - child orientated as I have 2 nutcases in the house that are under 3 years old and I need to constantly find things to do - for my sanity not theirs as lets face it, they are content pulling the contents of my cupboards across the kitchen floor and crayoning on the walls.
Blimey, I am already thinking this is a bad idea, I am cringing at the potential damage I might do and I am already quite good at doing that and am in no need of a blog to help!
I have loads going on in my life, much of which likes to fall down around my ears, so dear readers (hello...anyone there?....) if at least you can have a point and a laugh at someones life going insanely cock-eyed, then it would have served a purpose!
Thats it for now... hope I remember the password to this damn thing or you are getting knack all!
I quite actually fancy reviewing things - child orientated as I have 2 nutcases in the house that are under 3 years old and I need to constantly find things to do - for my sanity not theirs as lets face it, they are content pulling the contents of my cupboards across the kitchen floor and crayoning on the walls.
Blimey, I am already thinking this is a bad idea, I am cringing at the potential damage I might do and I am already quite good at doing that and am in no need of a blog to help!
I have loads going on in my life, much of which likes to fall down around my ears, so dear readers (hello...anyone there?....) if at least you can have a point and a laugh at someones life going insanely cock-eyed, then it would have served a purpose!
Thats it for now... hope I remember the password to this damn thing or you are getting knack all!
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